A poem for my father

If I speak to the river, will it hear me?
If I listen to the river, will I hear you?
Do you now know why the sockeye fight so hard?
Do you run free against the current with them?
Have they shown you what home feels like?
Perhaps you already knew
The river always speaking to your soul
Ever willing to sweep away your demons
I wonder what your favorite river is
I wonder how beautiful your heaven must be
I hope that your traumas from this life are
Faded and indistinct in their mark upon you
I hope you smile as you enjoy your river
I hope the river whispers reminders of your 
Worthiness and reminds you that you are
Deeply loved and deeply missed in this world
Thank you for leaving your poetry
Your appreciation of nature and rivers
And your love of the beauty in the world
So that I can know a little of your spirit

-gws